Love this #diy needle file holder from @doublemoondesign - “I drilled small holes in one row and big holes in the second row which accommodates the files I use frequently. Each is spaced far enough apart so they never touch and it's easy for me to... more
Here is a tip for soldering a bezel onto a curved surface from @theloveleighlocket - “If you want to incorporate a bezel into a wide band ring and use the band as the backplate...you will have to file the bottom of the bezel into a curved shape to... more
Here is a #diy tool from @jessjewelry - “I saw you story the other day about favorite handmade tools. This is mine. I used an old file tang and sawed it out to make a bezel pusher. The old file is now used to dress my rubber wheels and such.” This is... more
#sponsored This mini tutorial on making tiny oval cabochon settings is sponsored by @turquoise_moose and you can purchase these gorgeous, calibrated cabochons from them. You can buy one get one 50% off with code MSS (visit turquoisemoose.com) through... more
Here is a ring enlarging tip from @artyrtyrkerson - “Quick tip for ring sizing: after cutting through the shank and opening it up to the proper size (I usually leave it half or quarter size smaller so I can file it nicely), I round down the edges... more
Here is tip for identifying your different file cuts from @kkmetalwerk4640 - “I got tired of trying to locate the right file cut so bought some inexpensive nail polish to color code my files. 0 is red, 2 is blue, 4 is purple. I do have a few other... more
Here is a tip for setting super thick bezels sponsored by @turquoise_moose (and featuring one of their gorgeous turquoise bars) Once you have your setting created you will want to chamfer the edge. This is done by filing a 45 degree angle on the top... more
Here is a file modification from @diannabdesigns - “Here is how to modify a triangle needle file using a mizzy wheel and flexshaft for getting into those tiny corners! The wheel I use is called a Mizzy Wheel or and can be found @riogrande: Heatless... more
Here is a sanding stick tutorial from @thewiredbug - "So for the sanding sticks you can use whatever for your center "stick" I chose a paint stick because I like it to resemble a file. You could also re-use a worn nail file for a mini stick! I used... more
Here is a tip for attaching a wooden handle to a file from @lija_jewelry - “I know you should drill it wider and such, but since I am not that strong and I wasn't really in the mood for finding a bigger drill, I used this tip I have seen this... more
Here is a file cleaning tip from @dawngilldesigns - “Repurposing rather than composting my old @Truthbrush bamboo interdental tooth brushes as needle pins to use to card my files....I find my files (cut 4, 6 and buff) can clog easily - I repurposed 2... more
Here is a #diy file organizer from @rachel_hearne_jewellery_school - “Needle & riffler file organiser made with empty baking sprinkles tub. Files painted with nail polish to denote cut.” Always love a two-in-one tip! Thank you for sharing this one... more
Here is a tip for putting on a file handle from @marta.oms - “Do you know that files are sold without handle? Being able to use comfortable files to work depends on knowing how to put a handle on them. I learned it at Jewelry school when I was a... more
Here is a rust tip from @fifthelementjewelry - “Ever hear the rumors about Coca Cola‘s ability to remove rust and think to yourself, “there is no way - that stuff goes into my body!” Think again! First try was a great success. I put the file in the... more
Barrette files are a tool I invested in later on in my jewelry making journey but they are a necessity! The “safe side” (side with no cut) is helpful whenever you have an area which would be damaged if the file hit it. I was reminded during my... more
Just thought I’d share in case someone else finds this helpful. I recently utilized my miter jig to file a portion of a wax ring perfectly flat. As I got closer to the surface of the miter jig I was careful to to not hit my file against my jig. I... more
Clogged files got you down? @andrewberryuk has your solution- “Push the straight edge of a piece of copper parallel across the teeth. This will easily remove the clogged up material and prolong the life of your file.” #metalsmithsociety... more
Love this adaptation for a ring clamp to hold a ring while polishing the inside @fibre.and.flame - “I cut some grooves in my ring clamp to make it easier to file and polish the inside. Those buggers get hot when you take the polishing bit to them with... more
I have a thing for handmade tools. Thanks for sharing this @moraghickman - “New work holding tool! As I do more production, I put more thought into saving my hands from cramping and fatigue. In this case, a customized clothespeg holds short rods for... more
Last week I received a subscription box of tools from @benchtooljunkies (😍🙏🏻💃🏼) and it included a sheet of Tuff Break Film (urethane) which I’d never heard of. You can cut it to any size you need to cushion and protect your work from scratching and... more
